REGIONAL- For townships that elect officials in March, filings for open supervisor and treasurer seats open Dec. 31 and close on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
And for one area township, there will be two big seats to fill, as longtime supervisor/chairman Tim Tomsich and longtime treasurer Jorgine Gornick are both set to retire. Tomsich, who has served on the town board since 1980, did attempt to retire in 2022, but ended up back on the Breitung Town Board. This time, according to those who work with him, he is serious about retiring. Gornick served as the township’s assessor (now a responsibility of St. Louis County) and as treasurer for almost as many years as Tomsich, with 30 years under her belt at her upcoming retirement date in March. “It’s been the best job I’ve ever had,” Gornick said.
“We are looking to get people interested in doing these jobs,” said clerk Amber Zak.
Township officials are paid a monthly salary, set each year by the town board.
The treasurer’s job in Breitung requires 12 hours a week in the township office. Currently, the township office is open Tuesday through Thursday, with the clerk and treasurer splitting the hours, though some overlap of their time is required because some of the financial duties require coordination between the clerk and treasurer.
Whether the treasurer works morning or afternoon hours can be flexible, said clerk Amber Zak. Gornick is also willing to work on training in the new treasurer, and the Minnesota Association of Township has training classes for new treasurers, as well as new town board members.
A township treasurer is normally an elected position, unless a township has voted to change to an appointed/hired clerk and treasurer, which is what you usually find in a city government. And while anyone can run for treasurer, a candidate with a background in bookkeeping or finances is a good fit for the position. Township treasurers receive and take charge of all money belonging to the township, and pay it out as required when directed by the town board. They are in charge of a township’s financial recordkeeping books, and must keep an updated accounting of township funds, and prepare for the annual board of audit. And while a treasurer is not a voting member of the town board, they usually attend town board meetings to provide information and answer any financial questions. The treasurer term lasts for two years.
Breitung has a three-person board with terms lasting three years, so each year, one supervisor seat is up for grabs (though occasionally there is an additional vacancy to fill in the case someone leaves their seat mid-term).
Township supervisors are in charge of all town affairs not designated to other officers by law. They set policies and ordinances, award contracts, develop budgets, and oversee employees and township departments (maintenance, fire, police, recreation). Supervisors do not keep official office hours, but are expected to attend township meetings, and should expect regular calls from township residents. Zak estimated the job takes about 10 hours a month, but can be more depending on how involved a supervisor chooses to be in overseeing township departments. Supervisors tend to volunteer their time in township areas that match their personal expertise and experience. Tomsich, who had a background in business and finance, tended to oversee township grant applications and the township’s budget and financials, for example. While supervisor Matt Tuchel, who also manages the joint Breitung-Tower water and wastewater systems, as well as being a firefighter and EMT, takes the lead on issues relating to those departments. Supervisor Erin Peitso, the newest member on the board, has been the point person on recreation issues, both at the campground and township recreational facilities.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the open seats can contact the township office at 218-753-6020.

Other townships
Greenwood and Vermilion Lake townships also have elections in March, for supervisor and treasurer seats. Greenwood will also be asking voters to approve a measure to change the elected clerk and treasurer positions to appointed positions, that would be hired by the town board.